experiment in international living germany

+49 228 95 72 20 I [email protected]

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• Flexibler Freiwilligendienst
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• Ranchstay, Wildlife & Sustainability
• Work & Travel

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Sprachprogramme

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Anmelden als Gastfamilie

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Schüleraustausch

Von A wie Argentinien bis U wie USA – Schüleraustausch in über 20 Ländern weltweit.

Allgemeine Programminformationen

Alles rund um Anmeldung und Ablauf und die wichtigsten Fragen und Antworten.

Wir möchten Austausch für Alle möglich machen – daher vergeben wir und unsere Partner Stipendien.

Wann bekomme ich meine Gastfamilie? Wir beantworten die meist gestellten Fragen.

Für Lehrkräfte und Schulen

Interkulturelles Lernen fängt in der Schule an – wir unterstützen Sie!

Der Flexible Freiwilligendienst

Freiwilligendienste sind eine tolle Möglichkeit, mittels gemeinnütziger Arbeit mit Land und Leuten in intensiven Kontakt zu treten, die Kultur des Gastlandes kennen zu lernen und dabei ein lokales Projekt zu unterstützen. Bei den Flexiblen Programmen hast Du eine große Länderauswahl und bist zeitlich flexibel.

Länder und Projekte

Experiment bietet Flexible Freiwilligendienste in 16 Ländern auf sechs Kontinenten an.

Wir vergeben regelmäßig Stipendien für unsere Freiwilligendienste.

Sustainable Development Goals

Unsere Freiwilligendienste tragen aktiv zur Umsetzung der 17 Nachhaltigkeitsziele bei.

Der geförderte Freiwilligendienst

Bei einem geförderten Freiwilligendienst im Ausland wird ein großer Teil der Kosten durch Ministerien oder Institutionen bestritten. Die geförderten Dienste unterliegen strengeren Kriterien, einer langfristigen Planung und einem aufwendigen Auswahlprozess.

Entdecke unsere geförderten Programme ESK &  weltwärts  und deren Unterschiede. Wir stellen die beiden Programme gegenüber.

Experiment bietet verschiedene Freiwilligendienste in 30 Ländern auf sechs Kontinenten an.

weltwärts ist ein entwicklungspolitischer Freiwilligendienst, mit dem Du Dich z.B. in Afrika, Asien, Lateinamerika und Ozeanien einbringen kannst.

Europäisches Solidaritätskorps (ESK)

Das Europäische Solidaritätskorps ist ein Förderprogramm der EU und fördert Freiwilligendienst-Projekte in Europa.

Work & Explore

Du hast die Schule erfolgreich abgeschlossen, befindest Dich gerade in der Ausbildung oder im Studium oder bist Berufsanfänger*in? Du hast Lust auf ein Abenteuer? Mit Experiment gibt es viele verschiedene Möglichkeiten nach der Schule.

Halb Au Pair - Halb Sprachkurs.

Work & Travel

Arbeiten und Reisen in Australien.

Ranchstay, Wildlife & Sustainability

Tierschutz- und Nachhaltigkeitsprojekte

Wir vergeben regelmäßig Stipendien für unsere Programme.

Ferienprogramme

Die Ferienzeit sinnvoll nutzen, gleichzeitig Spaß haben, die Welt sehen und internationale Freundschaften knüpfen? Mit unseren Ferienprogrammen ist alles möglich!

Homestay & Volunteering

Gastfamilienaufenthalt - auf Wunsch mit Volunteering.

Schüleraustausch light: Besuche die High School!

Vormittags Sprachschule - nachmittags Freizeit!

Gemeinschaft, Camp-Spirit und jede Menge Spaß!

Hier kannst Du mit Pferden in den USA arbeiten.

Gastfamilie werden

Holen Sie sich die Welt nach Hause und nehmen Sie einen internationalen Gast bei sich auf! Einige der Teilnehmenden kommen nur für 1-4 Wochen, andere bleiben bis zu 10 Monate. Daher ist es das ganze Jahr über möglich, Gastfamilie zu werden.

Allgemeine Informationen

Wer kann Gastfamilie werden? Welche Voraussetzungen und Pflichten gibt es? Die wichtigsten Fragen und Antworten.

Hier geht es zum Gastfamilienbogen mit dem Sie ganz unverbindlich Ihr Interesse bekunden können.

Steckbriefe und Videos unserer Gastschüler*innen

Hier geht es zu den aktuellen Gesuchen, Steckbriefen und Videos!

For Foreign Visitors

Welcome to experiment.

For more than 90 years, Experiment has been bringing people from around the world together and promoting intercultural understanding and mutual learning. Along with our international partners, we offer and organize international student exchanges, holiday programs, volunteering services, and work-and-explore experiences - always with a focus on the participants' intercultural learning experience. We believe that such learning experiences build important bridges across national borders, contributing to a more empathetic and peaceful world.

Every year, almost 2,000 people of all age groups participate in Experiment programs in Germany and around the world.

About Experiment

Our mission for understanding.

Experiment is a non-profit organization based in Bonn, Germany, with a focus on the international exchange of people of all cultures, religions, and age groups. Our goals are to enhance mutual understanding between societies and to contribute to the peaceful coexistence of various cultures by making it possible for people of different origins to live together.

Our work has been developed on the basis of volunteerism and support from the non-profit community. Nationwide, around 800 former participants volunteer their time and energy to support us in carrying out our programs. They are, for example, active in conducting seminars for participants and in taking care of German host families and their international guests. In addition, around 1,000 association members contribute financially to help advance our mission.

Explore. Exchange. Experience.

What we offer.

With over 90 years of experience, Experiment is the oldest non-profit exchange organization in Germany. We offer a broad variety of programs in Germany and around the world for all age groups and interests.

Outbound Programs

International high school program.

Academic Year Abroad Programs

Experiment organizes an Academic Year Abroad program in a variety of countries. We offer numerous scholarships, along with our partners, for a number of these countries. We currently offer the following destinations for German students: Africa (South Africa), Asia and the Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand), Europe (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Great Britain, Irland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden), North and South America (Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, U.S.).

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) offers German and American students a fully-funded academic year abroad. 

Volunteer Service

Experiment organizes volunteering experiences abroad. Participants are welcomed by host families and get involved in social projects as volunteers. Depending on the assigned field, different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are addressed and worked towards.

European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

Experiment is an accredited volunteer exchange organization for this scholarship program funded by the European Union and has been sending volunteers abroad for the past 20 years. The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) provides full scholarships for young Europeans, who will gain cross-cultural experience, thereby helping to form a common European consciousness by volunteering abroad.

"weltwärts" Program

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development uses " weltwärts " to support developmental voluntary services for participants between the ages of 18 and 28. Participants can volunteer for nine to twelve months. The projects have to be accredited by the ministry.

Flexible volunteer service programs

In addition to the funded volunteer service programs, Experiment organizes flexible volunteering experiences worldwide in the following destinations: Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East.

Holiday Programs

To benefit from the positive effects of a stay abroad, you do not necessarily have to invest a whole year. At Experiment, students can choose from a wide range of holiday programs where they can gain valuable international and intercultural experience even within a few weeks.

Experiment offers programs including short-term school visits , language programs , summer camps and ranch- or farmstays . Depending on the program, participants live with a host family, stay on a University campus or at hostels.

Work & Explore programs are aimed at young people over 18 who want to gain experience abroad and improve their language skills. Short-term programs are possible all year round. Another option is to spend an entire gap year abroad, for example as a demi pair.

Experiment offers internships abroad , host family stays , various working experiences on ranches or out in the wild, or Work & Travel packages. Participants who want a deeper integration with a host family can participate in demi-pair programs. Here, the participant works half-time with the host family and helps with household chores and childcare, while also receiving excellent language tutoring. 

Customized Group Programs

In cooperation with various partners abroad, Experiment offers group programs and cultural trips for different target groups. The participants have the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences and impressions directly with others and to exchange ideas.

Whether for school and college students, adults or seniors, we would be happy to organize a customized program for your group.

Inbound Programs

High school programs in germany.

In cooperation with our international partners, we organize student exchanges for international students in Germany. We facilitate the successful placement of these students in host families, as well as oversee their care and supervision during their exchange. These students stay between three and ten months, attend a local high school and receive support from a local coordinator.

Germany provides many opportunities for groups from all over the world to experience the numerous aspects of this captivating country in a safe and engaging environment .

We can organize programs (from 1-6 weeks) in different areas of Germany including interesting and stimulating social and cultural activities. For 90 years Experiment has organized group programs in Germany for groups from around the globe. We organize various programs in big as well as small cities across every year. Feel free to contact us with your ideas and we will do our best to facilitate it and provide your participants with a positive and remarkable experience in our country.

More than just a holiday trip

Intercultural learning experiences.

Any stay abroad offers a special opportunity to experience aspects of another culture, another language and everyday life. The integration of the participants into a family in the host country offers a unique opportunity to get to know the country and its people from a very special and personal perspective. In order for this exchange to be a success for both sides - participant and host family - the intensive preparation and personal reflection of our participants is very important to us. That is why all our programs include a preparatory seminar before and a follow-up seminar after the stay abroad, thus ensuring a real inter cultural learning experience by building bridges across borders and cultures.

Quality and Cooperation

The experiment in international living.

In 1932, Donald B. Watt founded The Experiment in International Living in the USA. Through his experiences with international summer camps for teenagers, he was convinced that true understanding between cultures is only possible by means of individual homestays. Experiment has been registered as a non-profit organization in Germany since 1952. The Federation The Experiment in International Living has more than 15 member organizations around the world.

Experiment is an original member of the umbrella organization AJA , a committee of non-profit youth exchange organizations in Germany, and also a member of the World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation . The goal of our membership in these committees is the establishment of quality standards for student exchange programs. Among those is an obligatory preparation seminar in Germany that lasts several days. In addition, we also cooperate with various public and private institutions such as the Federal Foreign Office , the German Parliament , the Goethe Institute and many others.

Get in touch!

Contact info.

If you need any more information on our programs or partners, or wish a free consultation with us, just give us a call or send us an e-mail.

The team at our head office in Bonn is always happy to help and advise you!

Matthias Lichan

Petra Spira

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Our History: Building Peace Through Intercultural Understanding

Destined for the French port of Boulogne, S.S. General von Steuben sailed out of the harbor of New York on June 23, 1932 carrying twenty-three idealistic young men and their leader, Donald B. Watt. The first “experiment in international living” was underway.

It was a simple idea: “People learn to live together by living together.” 86 years later, this simple idea endures and thrives under the care of Federation EIL.

The Experiment in International Living was the first organization to offer ‘homestays’ (1933) as part of an international exchange program with Germany, in which students lived with host families, immersing themselves in a different culture.

The Experiment’s presence grew globally over the next twenty years, as did the worldwide growth of many independent international exchange providers.

With the goal of establishing a larger, global network of partners, striving for high quality programs, promoting similar values and philosophies for increased cross-cultural understanding, FEIL (Federation of The Experiment in International Living) was established in 1954.

Founding members of FEIL have made significant strides in global intercultural learning, including the training of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers from 1961 to 1971.

Over the years, members of Federation EIL have grown to include 11 countries around the globe with a diverse portfolio of programs.

Nevertheless, the original concept has remained firm: enabling individuals of all ages to share experiences, languages, and customs with those who come from different traditions, with the aims to broaden horizons, gain lifelong friends, and advance peace.

As the first hosting organization in the world, Federation EIL is a worldwide authority in quality international programming, with more than eight decades of national and international leadership in cultural exchanges.

Inspiring Sargent Shriver and the Peace Corps

In the early 1960s, Sargent Shriver—the first director of the Peace Corps and an alumi of The Experiment—called on The Experiment to train the earliest Peace Corps Volunteers. Shriver had had a life-changing experience as a participant in one of the first Experiment programs. Two years after his program, he served as an Experiment group leader to Germany and Austria and later was a group leader to France. These experiences helped Shriver develop the founding principles of the Peace Corps. He invited The Experiment President Gordon Boyce to help train the first Peace Corps volunteers to Gabon and Pakistan, which was the start of a deep, decades-long partnership between the Peace Corps, The Experiment in International Living, and our parent organization  World Learning   Inc .  

Building Bridges among Cultures

Bettina Wiedmann

• Executive Director, The Experiment in International Living in Germany (Experiment e.V.)

Bettina Wiedmann is Executive Director of the Experiment in International Living in Germany (Experiment e.V.). From 2008 until 2014, she served as Vice President and then President of the worldwide network of the Experiment in International Living (Federation EIL), our non-profit membership association which facilitates and promotes the work of its autonomous member organizations in 23 countries. Bettina is an active member on the Board of German Youth Associations, serves as an advisor to several German and international exchange organizations and is a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader. As a former high school and university exchange student herself, she knows first-hand the power of exchange programs as a means to promote intercultural understanding. Bettina and her family have also already hosted 3 long-term high school exchange students in their home. She believes strongly in the fact that intercultural experiences are an important part of lifelong learning and bring huge benefits at any age and for all parties involved.

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Experiment in International Living Records

Scope and Contents

Administrative Information

Detailed Description

Administrative

Participants

News Clippings and Publicity

Dr. Richard E. Frank

Oversize Folder 1

Scrapbook :

Photographs :

Contact us about this collection

Experiment in International Living Records, 1952-1989

Collection Overview

ID: OGLMC1319

Primary Creator: Experiment in International Living (1932-)

Extent: 0.0

Date Acquired: 00/00/1995

Subjects: University of North Dakota - Student Organizations

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Collection historical note.

The Experiment in International Living (EIL) program was founded by Donald B. Watt, who recognized a need to further sympathetic understanding across international lines. In 1932, he brought together a group of fourteen American boys with a group of fourteen French or German speaking boys. The University of North Dakota became involved with the program in 1953. EIL provided students with the opportunity to study abroad and experience other cultures, in turn, claimed Watt, "making the world a better place."

Dr. Richard E. Frank headed the Experiment in International Living at UND from 1953 to 1975. The program gradually ended here, as a result of changing priorities. While the UND program was active, however, it sent over fifty students to foreign countries. These students include Mary Wilson Dibbern, a professional pianist living in France, Earl Pomeroy, elected North Dakota Representative to Congress in 1992, and Karen Sethre White, a "food stylist" who received a Sioux Award in 1989.

Subject/Index Terms

University of North Dakota - Student Organizations

Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections

Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Source: Mary Margaret Frank, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Acquisition Method: Donation; Acc.95-2046, Acc.96-2063 and Acc.97-2103

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item).  Experiment in International Living Records.  OGLMC 1319, Box #, Folder #.  Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid migrated to Archon in April 2014.

Box and Folder Listing

• Telephone: 701-777-4625
• [email protected]

©2010 University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - Member of ND University System - Website Feedback

The Experiment in International Living

•  About
•  Photos
• 386 Reviews
• 15 Programs
• 14 Interviews

Why choose The Experiment in International Living?

The Experiment is the most respected provider of international exchanges for high school students. For 90 years, we have empowered young people to step off the beaten path, experience the world as a classroom, and develop the skills they need to solve the challenges of tomorrow.

Gain a deeper understanding of the world as you launch your unforgettable educational experiment. Through our abroad and virtual programs, you’ll experience homestays with trusted families, immerse yourself in new cultures, and learn alongside diverse groups of people, all while fueling your purpose-driven passions along the way.

If you are interested in applying to become a group leader for The Experiment, please visit our website.

Connect with us

Community photos.

Community Awards

Scholarships

The experiment in international living scholarships.

The Experiment in International Living offers a variety of need-based and merit-based scholarships to worthy high school students looking to participate in their program. The eligibility requirements vary depending on where you live and other demographics -- and your GPA is taken into account for some scholarships too.

Diversity & Inclusion

Bipoc support, lgbtqia+ support, sustainability, ethical impact.

A Peaceful, Immersive, Relaxing and Welcoming Experience

This experience was really fun, beyond my expectations. There was so much I got to do in the country within a short period of time. The reason I would pick this program again is because there is still more to explore within the country and other opportunities that I didn't get to be a part of/do because of the short time.

I made a lot of friends and also got to explore a whole different place I never knew I would have gone to if it wasn't for the program. It was definitely worthwhile. My favorite part is the amazing people I met and the impact they have had on me and this experience.

The leaders and teachers were also a great part of the experience they were very kind and understanding people. They also did not feel like authority and were relaxed, friendly and open minded people. They also made sure were were doing fine mentally and physically.

• The Animation and Japanese Language teacher were helpful and friendly and also open to feedback and new ideas.
• Feeling safe in the country and being able to walk around with friends during the evenings and spending time together.
• Meeting the host family and spending my time with them, they felt like the perfect match for me.
• There wasnt much free time only one day with the host family. Free days would have been nice for example having a whole day to relax and reflect. All the days there was something to do because the program was short.

Great Time!

Though I am more on the shy side, this program made me very comfortable and made me feel like I could be myself and not have to worry about anything. My group felt like family and I really don't have any cons from this trip. My host family was very kind, helpful and generous. My internship was quite informative and helped me learn different things and how they are run in different countries. The food was amazing and the program leaders were very kind and protective. If I were to rate this trip, it would be a 9/10.

Experiment Program Review-South Korea

This past July I had the opportunity to take part in the 2023 South Korea immersion program by the experiment and it was a blast. We went to a variety of places ranging from Seoul shopping centers to museums and temples and traditional markets in Gwangju. Each day was jam packed with new activities and new international friends. The group dynamic was really comforting and the staff always supported us. This program also focuses on the growth of an individual and for me i’ve grown immensely. This trip really gave its students a sense of independence like going to the laundry mat to do our own laundry or hanging out with friends in an area of the city for a few hours. All of this independence led up to our free day where I met up with international friends I had met throughout the month. I learned about Korea’s dark history, their gorgeous scenery, and immersed myself into the language and trying to speak it. Although this trip was only a month, the memories I made will last a lifetime <3

• Amazing Friends and Staff
• A balance of learning and free time
• Often only staying at a place for 1 night
• Lots of mosquitoes in the country side

It was good but could've been better

I liked the experience and the opportunity to go to France and see all the famous things I've always wanted to see. Like the Mona Lisa, Eiffel Tower, arc de Triomphe, and more! I even had my sweet 16 there and had a great time. Except I feel it could have been better if I was more informed by the leaders on the downsides like all the pickpocketing going on in Paris. Because of that, I became a victim of it and I got my phone stolen by a random person during the first few days of the trip while I went out to eat for lunch and I wasn't with the leaders. After that, the leaders and some of the kids tried their best to help but all they could do was report it to the police, they didn't do anything about it and I never got my phone back. The leaders helped me buy a temporary phone but still, It was a traumatizing experience and it spoiled my trip to the point, that I just wanted to go home but I couldn't. After that, I went to my homestay family with a lady I lived with for 10 days. She was alright but the whole time I felt like she didn't like me. After the 10 days ended I went to Switzerland it was beautiful and I loved the country but during that people started being weird. I was with a group of girls and a random guy came up to us and tried to take us to go out with him. Another kid got slapped in the face by a random guy while the leaders were there and everyone witnessed it and got scared. I started to have problems with the other students and they would just either ignore me or just be straight rude to me even though I was nice to everyone. So I didn't want to be in any group and just wanted to explore on my own but I got in trouble for that because when we are out in the country we have to be in a group of at least 3 because the leaders aren't always with us. On the last day, we were back in Paris and It was time to go to the fair and go souvenir shopping but the kids and leaders didn't want me in their group and a girl even yelled at me because I tried to go with her group. so I missed out on the fair and just stayed in the hotel room and cried because my experience was so bad. But then I texted the group chat we had and one of the leaders took me from the hotel and took me to go to a restaurant everyone was in and eat dinner and go souvenir shopping so I felt better. That was the trip for me and I loved the opportunity to see those countries and have by sweet 16 in Paris. but the experience itself could have been better.

K-Culture and Peacebuilding

I was interested in all the activities provided and I genuinely did enjoy my time in Korea. The adults supervising us were extremely respectful and helpful and the children in my group were also likeable and I am glad I got to share this experience with them. If I had to add anything, I would have to say the day we got to truly experience the culture and wear hanboks was my absolute favorite. The food was amazing and the demographic was even better. My entire experience was positive. I would say this changed me in a way where I would actually like to spend my future doing things revolving around peacebuilding internationally.

• The diversity in the group
• Experiencing the culture
• The photos honestly
• Getting up in the morning
• A bit of a language barrier with younger children

The Experiment Digital

The Experiment: France: Cultural Discovery

The Experiment: Spain: Spanish Language & Culture

The Experiment: Japan: Language & Culture

The Experiment: Italy: Culinary Training & Culture

The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.

The Experiment: France: French Language & Culture

The Experiment: Japan: Anime & Manga

The Experiment: South Korea: K-Culture & Peacebuilding

Alumni interviews.

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Claire Holmes

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I had been taking Spanish classes in school since my elementary years. I was most comfortable with Spanish language and felt more confident about speaking it rather than going to a country where I did not speak any of the languages. I also had been learning a little bit about Spanish culture in class and I found it so interesting and beautiful and I loved their lifestyle and their sense of community, as well as their music.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The Experiment of International Living pretty much helped me with everything. I was helped throughout the whole entire application process, which was thankfully not as complicated as I thought it was going to be.

I also got to do an in person interview with an EIL employee, as well as attend an in person pre-program orientation that really helped me prepare for my trip.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Don’t doubt yourself. Not even for a second. Embrace the new place, the new possibilities, and the new people. Branch out and form bonds with not just your leaders and your group (although that’s very important) but also with any one else you meet on this trip. Don’t be afraid to try out your language skills, but also don’t be afraid to truly be yourself. These people will accept you for you and it’s a really special opportunity.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day would consist of getting up, having breakfast at the hotel (unless you’re staying with a host family at that time), then getting ready to spend the day out and about doing activities, including visiting museums, churches, temples and gardens.

Meal times included local restaurants with your group and their leaders, or the opportunity to split up and venture out on your own to find food or just visit the local shops. Every day was filled with cultural immersion that opened ones mind and allowed them to learn in a much more personal way.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was how long I felt like I was going be gone and how I would have to stay there, even if I didn’t like it or didn’t get a long with my group. But that fear entirely went away after a couple days because of how incredibly beautiful the country was and especially because of how awesome and kind my group leaders and my group members were. Without each and every one of them, I know the trip wouldn’t have even come close to how amazing it was and how happy it made me.

Is there something you would have done differently?

If there was something I would’ve done differently, I would have practiced much more Spanish before going, and while I was there in Spain, I would have tried even harder to communicate with the locals and broaden my own understanding of the language. That definitely would have helped me become even more closer with the host siblings, who were very fun to be around.

Abraham Intriago

Christie Jean

Hunter Horton

Hana Newberry

Olivia Shoemaker

Maelyn Maratita

Mackenzie Fowell

Staff interviews.

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Ron Eisenman

Ron has been a high school social studies teacher in Vermont since 2001. Previously, he was a lawyer in Vermont (5 years) and teacher in Aizuwakamatsu, Japan (5 years). He graduated with a J.D. degree from UCLA School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.

What is your favorite travel memory?

As a leader, I was most proud when my students conducted a scavenger hunt in Tokyo on their second day in the country. The students had a list of sites to see and required interactions with native Japanese speakers. We agreed to meet up at one of the 10 exits in a crowded Tokyo station at a specific time.

I was so energized by the excitement that the students had sharing their experiences. They made incredible cultural observations and gained the confidence to navigate one of the largest cities in the world in a new language.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have renewed my faith in the goodness and compassion of young people. My group was the most amazing collection of empathetic and talented young people.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

There are so many stories. At the end of our month-long program, almost every student expressed that the trip was life-changing. In one month, they made better friendships than they have with people they have been going to school with for 12 years. They said that the people in the group know them better than anybody else in the world.

One student will be spending half of his senior year of high school in Ecuador as a result of his experiences. Since one of the students was from Puerto Rico, all members of the group have been following the events there following the Hurricanes this fall, because they now have personal connections to the events there.

The students are in constant contact and the Puerto Rican student said that her memories of talking with members of the group this summer now keep her from getting too depressed about her current situation.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

There are so many. I feel like a kid in a candy store choosing which type of candy to eat. I really enjoyed the Japan: Japanese Language & Culture program since I have the language skills and background knowledge to help students get the most out of their experiences.

I would also like to take students to Korea, China, Thailand, or Vietnam because of the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating part of the world. I really love the cultures and the physical beauty of the land. I would be honored to assist students in learning about places like Korea and China, which are vital places in the 21st Century.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

There are so many great people involved in the program. I met many leaders at the leader orientation. I would personally want to be part of a group led by any of them. They were really talented people.

Also, The Experiment allows participants to really learn about a place in an authentic manner and structures many activities which allows them to interact with local people. The homestay is a critical component of this. Students are not primarily tourists.

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Summer Study Abroad: Experiment in International Living

• by scholarahead
• February 9, 2020 February 20, 2021

The experiment in International Living has been offering immersive summer study abroad experiential learning programs abroad since 1932. When a group of students sailed for eight days across the Atlantic to Germany with the mission of fostering peace through understanding, communication, and cooperation. The Experiment in International Living offers 31 summer abroad programs in 25 countries . Participants explore the host country through hands-on experiences in local communities and through the lens of a specific theme. They have programs across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.  The Experiment’s program themes give students the opportunity to explore a host country through a specific lens. Themes for their programs include: 

• Students will acquire entirely new perspectives on critical environmental challenges, diverse ecological systems, and natural resource conservation and sustainability. Explore ecological wonders and the cultures and communities to which they are connected.
• Students explore the relationship between art and society in different historical periods while diving deeper into a host country’s culture or developing your own creative skills.
• Participants in Language Training programs experience language immersion and discover the cultural complexities of a new country as they explore renowned historical sites, contemporary realities, and regional differences through a homestay and other meaningful community experiences.
• Students will learn how community groups, individuals, and others worldwide have built bridges of peace, tolerance, and understanding to foster more democratic and equitable societies.
• The Experiment Leadership Institute offers a highly competitive, fully funded program for participants with demonstrated interest in intercultural leadership, global issues, and civic engagement. This program is carefully designed to provide students with the extraordinary opportunity to acquire key skills and intercultural competencies necessary to become an effective leader through an international experience coupled with pre- and post-travel workshops.

scholarahead

I'm an American mom living in Germany. The Snoo, nanny shares, and stroller wagons are not very popular here.

• I moved to Germany over a decade ago, and my three kids were born here.
• Crying it out is not widely recommended by pediatricians in Germany, and the SNOO is not popular.
• Childcare in Germany is often subsidized, and therefore, nanny shares are not a thing.

Many American parents are used to utilizing various parenting strategies and baby items in their everyday lives. Some of these strategies or products are not very common in other countries.

Living in Germany for the last 12 years, I've observed, since having children of my own, that some of the things that my friends back in the US swear by for their children are either not sold here in the stores that I've frequented or nearly unheard of with the people I've spoken to.

Based on my experience, some widespread parenting practices in the US are also not popular in Germany. Some of the reasons these differences occur are cultural and circumstantial; I decided to explore why.

Stroller wagons are less common among German families

Nearly all of my friends in the US with small kids sport a stroller wagon , which they use to tote their young children around at playgrounds or the zoo. If you travel to Germany, though, while you certainly will see stroller wagons, their usage is definitely less common, particularly on city streets.

Many German sidewalks are narrower than in America, so a large stroller wagon can be challenging to navigate tighter spaces. In towns with medieval centers filled with cobblestones, dragging a heavy stroller wagon over these bumpy paths may not make for a pleasant ride. Some German kids are more accustomed to walking longer distances , so parents often don't see any need for a stroller-type device much past preschool age.

Lastly, Americans in rural towns generally don't use or have access to public transportation like many Germans do in certain communities — especially urbanites. Trying to get a wide and bulky stroller wagon onto a bus, tram, or subway train can be mission impossible.

Infant sleep culture differs greatly between Germany and the US

While there's no hard and fast scientific or sociological evidence per se, it's safe to say that part of the reason that structured sleep training is more popular in the US often concerns the lack of a federal parental leave policy .

In Germany, there is generous (and paid) parental leave. Typically at least one of the parents takes around a year of it. While German parents are potentially equally as sleep-deprived as their American counterparts, normally, at least one parent doesn't have to worry about getting up early for work and being fit mentally and physically after a grueling night.

Generous parental leave is perhaps also why certain beloved sleep gadgets and devices, such as the Snoo , are less commonly used in Germany than by American parents. Many Americans are willing to pay the smart bassinet's high price because it has a good resale value, but its resale value in Germany is questionable.

Because of generous parental leave, there tends to be less societal pressure or emphasis on having a baby sleep longer stretches. What pediatricians will recommend almost universally in Germany, however, is a sleep sack for putting babies down to sleep.

Nanny shares barely exist in Germany

Among my American friends and family, many parents have opted for a nanny share regarding childcare for their infant or toddler. It's a way for parents to split the often high expenses of a private nanny and provide a buddy for their child to interact with.

In Germany, though, nanny shares are virtually unheard of. The primary reason for this has to do with finances and parental leave. In the US, it's rare for free or subsidized day care or childcare to exist, so parents must pay completely out of pocket for childcare. Daycare or a private nanny can be very pricey, so a nanny share can help cut costs for some families.

In Germany, both group day care and home day care providers are subsidized by the state; in some areas of Germany, day care is free of charge. Nannies or babysitters, however, are not state-subsidized, so costs for a nanny in Germany are fully out of pocket.

Nannies are also regarded as ideal childcare for young babies. They are much more commonly needed in the US, where parents return to work within a few weeks or months after birth. But in Germany, due to lengthier parental leave, most kids start day care around age 1.

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Former Gonzaga standout Sonja ‘Sunny’ Greinacher earns Olympic gold for Germany in 3x3 basketball

From staff reports

There’s nothing brighter for Sonja “Sunny” Greinacher than gold.

Greinacher, the former Gonzaga basketball star who has played overseas in her home country in Germany since her college career ended in 2015, earned a gold medal on Monday after leading the Germans past Spain 17-16 in the women’s 3x3 final at the Paris Olympics.

The 6-foot-4 Greinacher, who had multiple stints with the national team before more recently focusing on 3x3, hit a tiebreaking 2-pointer with 30 seconds left. Spain scored to close the gap to 17-16 but missed a shot at the buzzer that would have tied it.

NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki was there to root on his home country of Germany, and raised his hands and cheered after Greinacher hit the tiebreaking shot.

At Gonzaga, Greinacher was an All-West Coast Conference first-team selection. She was named the WCC Tournament MVP in 2014 after helping the Bulldogs defeat BYU in the championship game, where she finished with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Hydropower remains essential to affordable, reliable electricity in Idaho

We all love Idaho for its natural beauty, homegrown agriculture and great outdoor recreation.

What Kamala Harris has said so far on key issues in her campaign

As she ramps up her nascent presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is revealing how she will address the key issues facing the nation.

In speeches and rallies, she has voiced support for continuing many of President Joe Biden’s measures, such as lowering drug costs , forgiving student loan debt and eliminating so-called junk fees. But Harris has made it clear that she has her own views on some key matters, particularly Israel’s treatment of Gazans in its war with Hamas.

In a departure from her presidential run in 2020, the Harris campaign has confirmed that she’s moved away from many of her more progressive stances, such as her interest in a single-payer health insurance system and a ban on fracking.

Harris is also expected to put her own stamp and style on matters ranging from abortion to the economy to immigration, as she aims to walk a fine line of taking credit for the administration’s accomplishments while not being jointly blamed by voters for its shortcomings.

Her early presidential campaign speeches have offered insights into her priorities, though she’s mainly voiced general talking points and has yet to release more nuanced plans. Like Biden, she intends to contrast her vision for America with that of former President Donald Trump. ( See Trump’s campaign promises here .)

“In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other focused on the past,” she told members of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta at an event in Indianapolis in late July. “And with your support, I am fighting for our nation’s future.”

Here’s what we know about Harris’ views:

Harris took on the lead role of championing abortion rights for the administration after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022. This past January, she started a “ reproductive freedoms tour ” to multiple states, including a stop in Minnesota thought to be the first by a sitting US president or vice president at an abortion clinic .

On abortion access, Harris embraced more progressive policies than Biden in the 2020 campaign, as a candidate criticizing his previous support for the Hyde Amendment , a measure that blocks federal funds from being used for most abortions.

Policy experts suggested that although Harris’ current policies on abortion and reproductive rights may not differ significantly from Biden’s, as a result of her national tour and her own focus on maternal health , she may be a stronger messenger.

High prices are a top concern for many Americans who are struggling to afford the cost of living after a spell of steep inflation. Many voters give Biden poor marks for his handling of the economy, and Harris may also face their wrath.

In her early campaign speeches, Harris has echoed many of the same themes as Biden, saying she wants to give Americans more opportunities to get ahead. She’s particularly concerned about making care – health care, child care, elder care and family leave – more affordable and available.

Harris promised at a late July rally to continue the Biden administration’s drive to eliminate so-called “junk fees” and to fully disclose all charges, such as for events, lodging and car rentals. In early August, the administration proposed a rule that would ban airlines from charging parents extra fees to have their kids sit next to them.

On day one, I will take on price gouging and bring down costs. We will ban more of those hidden fees and surprise late charges that banks and other companies use to pad their profits.”

Since becoming vice president, Harris has taken more moderate positions, but a look at her 2020 campaign promises reveals a more progressive bent than Biden.

As a senator and 2020 presidential candidate, Harris proposed providing middle-class and working families with a refundable tax credit of up to $6,000 a year (per couple) to help keep up with living expenses. Titled the LIFT the Middle Class Act, or Livable Incomes for Families Today, the measure would have cost at the time an estimated $3 trillion over 10 years.

Unlike a typical tax credit, the bill would allow taxpayers to receive the benefit – up to $500 – on a monthly basis so families don’t have to turn to payday loans with very high interest rates.

As a presidential candidate, Harris also advocated for raising the corporate income tax rate to 35%, where it was before the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that Trump and congressional Republicans pushed through Congress reduced the rate to 21%. That’s higher than the 28% Biden has proposed.

Affordable housing was also on Harris’ radar. As a senator, she introduced the Rent Relief Act, which would establish a refundable tax credit for renters who annually spend more than 30% of their gross income on rent and utilities. The amount of the credit would range from 25% to 100% of the excess rent, depending on the renter’s income.

Harris called housing a human right and said in a 2019 news release on the bill that every American deserves to have basic security and dignity in their own home.

Consumer debt

Hefty debt loads, which weigh on people’s finances and hurt their ability to buy homes, get car loans or start small businesses, are also an area of interest to Harris.

As vice president, she has promoted the Biden administration’s initiatives on student debt, which have so far forgiven more than $168 billion for nearly 4.8 million borrowers . In mid-July, Harris said in a post on X that “nearly 950,000 public servants have benefitted” from student debt forgiveness, compared with only 7,000 when Biden was inaugurated.

A potential Harris administration could keep that momentum going – though some of Biden’s efforts have gotten tangled up in litigation, such as a program aimed at cutting monthly student loan payments for roughly 3 million borrowers enrolled in a repayment plan the administration implemented last year.

The vice president has also been a leader in the White House efforts to ban medical debt from credit reports, noting that those with medical debt are no less likely to repay a loan than those who don’t have unpaid medical bills.

In a late July statement praising North Carolina’s move to relieve the medical debt of about 2 million residents, Harris said that she is “committed to continuing to relieve the burden of medical debt and creating a future where every person has the opportunity to build wealth and thrive.”

Health care

Harris, who has had shifting stances on health care in the past, confirmed in late July through her campaign that she no longer supports a single-payer health care system .

During her 2020 campaign, Harris advocated for shifting the US to a government-backed health insurance system but stopped short of wanting to completely eliminate private insurance.

The measure called for transitioning to a Medicare-for-All-type system over 10 years but continuing to allow private insurance companies to offer Medicare plans.

The proposal would not have raised taxes on the middle class to pay for the coverage expansion. Instead, it would raise the needed funds by taxing Wall Street trades and transactions and changing the taxation of offshore corporate income.

When it comes to reducing drug costs, Harris previously proposed allowing the federal government to set “a fair price” for any drug sold at a cheaper price in any economically comparable country, including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Japan or Australia. If manufacturers were found to be price gouging, the government could import their drugs from abroad or, in egregious cases, use its existing but never-used “march-in” authority to license a drug company’s patent to a rival that would produce the medication at a lower cost.

Harris has been a champion on climate and environmental justice for decades. As California’s attorney general, Harris sued big oil companies like BP and ConocoPhillips, and investigated Exxon Mobil for its role in climate change disinformation. While in the Senate, she sponsored the Green New Deal resolution.

During her 2020 campaign, she enthusiastically supported a ban on fracking — but a Harris campaign official said in late July that she no longer supports such a ban.

Fracking is the process of using liquid to free natural gas from rock formations – and the primary mode for extracting gas for energy in battleground Pennsylvania. During a September 2019 climate crisis town hall hosted by CNN, she said she would start “with what we can do on Day 1 around public lands.” She walked that back later when she became Biden’s running mate.

Biden has been the most pro-climate president in history, and climate advocates find Harris to be an exciting candidate in her own right. Democrats and climate activists are planning to campaign on the stark contrasts between Harris and Trump , who vowed to push America decisively back to fossil fuels, promising to unwind Biden’s climate and clean energy legacy and pull America out of its global climate commitments.

If elected, one of the biggest climate goals Harris would have to craft early in her administration is how much the US would reduce its climate pollution by 2035 – a requirement of the Paris climate agreement .

Immigration

Harris has quickly started trying to counter Trump’s attacks on her immigration record.

Her campaign released a video in late July citing Harris’ support for increasing the number of Border Patrol agents and Trump’s successful push to scuttle a bipartisan immigration deal that included some of the toughest border security measures in recent memory.

The vice president has changed her position on border control since her 2020 campaign, when she suggested that Democrats needed to “critically examine” the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, after being asked whether she sided with those in the party arguing to abolish the department.

In June of this year, the White House announced a crackdown on asylum claims meant to continue reducing crossings at the US-Mexico border – a policy that Harris’ campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, indicated in late July to CBS News would continue under a Harris administration.

Trump’s attacks stem from Biden having tasked Harris with overseeing diplomatic efforts in Central America in March 2021. While Harris focused on long-term fixes, the Department of Homeland Security remained responsible for overseeing border security.

She has only occasionally talked about her efforts as the situation along the US-Mexico border became a political vulnerability for Biden. But she put her own stamp on the administration’s efforts, engaging the private sector.

Harris pulled together the Partnership for Central America, which has acted as a liaison between companies and the US government. Her team and the partnership are closely coordinating on initiatives that have led to job creation in the region. Harris has also engaged directly with foreign leaders in the region.

Experts credit Harris’ ability to secure private-sector investments as her most visible action in the region to date but have cautioned about the long-term durability of those investments.

Israel-Hamas

The Israel-Hamas war is the most fraught foreign policy issue facing the country and has spurred a multitude of protests around the US since it began in October.

After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in late July, Harris gave a forceful and notable speech about the situation in Gaza.

We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not be silent.”

Harris echoed Biden’s repeated comments about the “ironclad support” and “unwavering commitment” to Israel. The country has a right to defend itself, she said, while noting, “how it does so, matters.”

However, the empathy she expressed regarding the Palestinian plight and suffering was far more forceful than what Biden has said on the matter in recent months. Harris mentioned twice the “serious concern” she expressed to Netanyahu about the civilian deaths in Gaza, the humanitarian situation and destruction she called “catastrophic” and “devastating.”

She went on to describe “the images of dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time.”

Harris emphasized the need to get the Israeli hostages back from Hamas captivity, naming the eight Israeli-American hostages – three of whom have been killed.

But when describing the ceasefire deal in the works, she didn’t highlight the hostage for prisoner exchange or aid to be let into Gaza. Instead, she singled out the fact that the deal stipulates the withdrawal by the Israeli military from populated areas in the first phase before withdrawing “entirely” from Gaza before “a permanent end to the hostilities.”

Harris didn’t preside over Netanyahu’s speech to Congress in late July, instead choosing to stick with a prescheduled trip to a sorority event in Indiana.

Harris is committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, having met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at least six times and announcing last month $1.5 billion for energy assistance, humanitarian needs and other aid for the war-torn country.

At the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, Harris said: “I will make clear President Joe Biden and I stand with Ukraine. In partnership with supportive, bipartisan majorities in both houses of the United States Congress, we will work to secure critical weapons and resources that Ukraine so badly needs. And let me be clear: The failure to do so would be a gift to Vladimir Putin.”

More broadly, NATO is central to our approach to global security. For President Biden and me, our sacred commitment to NATO remains ironclad. And I do believe, as I have said before, NATO is the greatest military alliance the world has ever known.”

Police funding

The Harris campaign has also walked back the “defund the police” sentiment that Harris voiced in 2020. What she meant is she supports being “tough and smart on crime,” Mitch Landrieu, national co-chair for the Harris campaign and former mayor of New Orleans, told CNN’s Pamela Brown in late July.

In the midst of nationwide 2020 protests sparked by George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer, Harris voiced support for the “defund the police” movement, which argues for redirecting funds from law enforcement to social services. Throughout that summer, Harris supported the movement and called for demilitarizing police departments.

Democrats largely backed away from calls to defund the police after Republicans attempted to tie the movement to increases in crime during the 2022 midterm elections.

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Behind the Prisoner Swap: Spies, a Killer, Secret Messages and Unseen Diplomacy

The negotiations that led to the prisoner swap and the freeing of Americans wrongfully held in Russia required patience and creativity, but gave both sides what they wanted most.

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By Mark Mazzetti Anton Troianovski Michael D. Shear and Peter Baker

Reporting from Washington and Berlin

A turning point came on June 25, when a group of C.I.A. officers sat across from their Russian counterparts during a secret meeting in a Middle Eastern capital.

The Americans floated a proposal: an exchange of two dozen prisoners sitting in jails in Russia, the United States and scattered across Europe, a far bigger and more complex deal than either side had previously contemplated but one that would give both Moscow and Western nations more reasons to say yes.

Quiet negotiations between the United States and Russia over a possible prisoner swap had dragged on for more than a year. They were punctuated by only occasional glimpses of hope for the families of the American prisoners — including Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and Paul Whelan, an American security contractor — growing increasingly impatient for their ordeal to end. Those hopes were always dashed when one of the two sides balked.

But the June meeting changed things, according to accounts from American and Western officials and other people familiar with the long process of bringing the deal to fruition.

The Russian spies took the proposal back to Moscow, and only days later the C.I.A. director was on the phone with a Russian spy chief agreeing to the broad parameters of a massive prisoner swap. On Thursday, seven different planes touched down in Ankara, Turkey, and exchanged passengers, bringing to a successful close an intensive diplomatic effort that took place almost entirely out of public view.

The deal between longtime adversaries — negotiated mostly by spies and sometimes through secret messages hand-delivered by couriers — secured the release of Mr. Gershkovich, Mr. Whelan and 14 other imprisoned Americans, Russians and Europeans.

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PROGRAMS ABROAD FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Experiment offers high school summer abroad programs on four continents that empower young people to step off the beaten path, experience the world as a classroom, immerse themselves fully in another culture, and build the knowledge and skills needed to confront critical global issues.

The Leadership Institute: Climate Change in Costa Rica

Explore Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and unwavering commitment to preserving its natural treasures. Join us on this learning journey on climate change and let Costa Rica’s beauty and culture leave an unforgettable mark on your heart and soul.

Deepen your awareness and learn from local communities to take climate action back to your home communities. Participants on this program are required to participate in pre-departure virtual sessions and a post-program community action project in their home communities.

Ecuador: The Galápagos Islands & The Andes

Explore Ecuador’s natural wonders, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon basin and the Galápagos archipelago. See seals in their natural habitat, snorkel, hike a volcano, and take in the country’s vast biodiversity.

France: French Language & Culture

Advance your French language through classes and cultural immersion. Find inspiration while visiting the world’s most celebrated art museums in Paris and go on a quest to capture the city’s charm under the guidance of French artists.

France: Cultural Discovery

Discover the richness of France through its diverse cultures and regions—from Paris to a border community and its neighboring country.

Germany: International Relations & The E.U.

Travel through Germany and visit Belgium and Luxembourg as you learn about international politics and gain fascinating insights into the European Union.

Internship: Ghana Contemporary Art & Culture

Experience West Africa through the lens of Sankofa , a Ghanaian concept that links the past with a sustainable future. Working with a local organization, you’ll learn to appreciate the importance of Africa’s tangible and imagined histories as you earn college credit and prepare for your future career.

Italy: Culinary Training & Culture

Fall in love with the flavors of Italy as you take in the historic sites of Rome, learn to cook in Asti, and live with a family in the southern part of the country . Receive language and culinary training from renowned institutions.

Japan: Anime & Manga

Immerse yourself in the anime and manga capital of the world. Develop your illustration skills and design techniques through interactive classes with industry experts.

Japan: Japanese Language & Culture

Study Japanese through intensive language training and exciting activities. Explore vibrant Tokyo neighborhoods and stay with a host family in a different region .   

South Korea

South korea: korean language & culture.

Study Korean through intensive language training and interactive activities. Explore the outstanding UNESCO World Heritage sites to learn about Korean history and cultural values.

South Korea: K-Culture & Peacebuilding

Explore themes of peace and conflict resolution while experiencing South Korea’s distinct blend of modern K-pop culture and ancient traditions.

Spain: Spanish Language through the Arts

Improve your Spanish with language practice through the arts as you explore Madrid and Andalucía’s cultural landmarks and hidden treasures.

Spain: Spanish Language & Culture

Improve your Spanish with formal language training as you explore Madrid and Andalucía’s cultural landmarks and hidden treasures.

Spain: Cultural Discovery

Explore Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Toledo as you learn about the differences in cultures across Spain’s distinct regions. Experience flamenco, taste tapas, see renowned works of art, and interact with locals along the way.

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German city renamed ‘Swiftkirchen’ for Taylor Swift concerts gets 1,400 bids for the signs

FILE - Schoolgirl Aleshanee Westhoff shows a “Swiftkirchen” town sign in honor of musician Taylor Swift in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. The German city of Gelsenkirchen, which temporarily put up signs renaming itself “Swiftkirchen” before the American superstar played three concerts there in mid-July, says it received 1,400 bids for the signs from Germany and abroad. (Bernd Thissen/dpa via AP, File)

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BERLIN (AP) — The German city of Gelsenkirchen, which temporarily renamed itself “Swiftkirchen” before the American superstar played three concerts there in mid-July, said Wednesday it received about 1,400 bids from Germany and abroad for signs it put up with the name.

The new name was one of a flurry of fan attractions around the concerts on July 17, 18 and 19. The city then held an auction for 20 original “Swiftkirchen” signs.

The highest offer was 3,000 euros ($3,245), and the 20 highest bidders will be informed by email, the city said in a statement, adding that a total sum for the auction will be announced once all payments have been received. It said one of the winning bids came from outside Germany, but didn’t specify where.

The proceeds will go to a center for girls, a food bank for children and a shelter for women in Gelsenkirchen.

Another “Swiftkirchen” sign is now on display at Germany’s museum of post-World War II history in Bonn, the Haus der Geschichte, the city said.

A former coal mining city, Gelsenkirchen is one of Germany’s poorest. It’s known for the soccer team Schalke, a traditional heavyweight currently in the second division, and its stadium, which sometimes attracts international entertainers like Swift.